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Sinus Surgery Device Means Less Pain, Scarring

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Nov 27, 2008 3:19 pm US/Eastern

Sinus Surgery Device Means Less Pain, Scarring

BOSTON (WBZ) ― Millions of Americans suffer from chronic sinus problems, and doctors have a new way to perform sinus surgery.

Diana Hidenrite is a woman looking for relief. She's been suffering with chronic sinusitis for three years. Diana explains, "No matter what medicine I took, I didn't get any better."

Now, her doctor is using a new technique called the Acclarent Stratus Microflow spacer.

Here's how it works. Guided by CT scans, the doctor uses something like a GPS in your car to place the catheter directly into the sinuses, avoiding sensitive areas around the eyes and brain.

Then, the doctor puts in a plastic drug delivery system that has tiny porous holes in it.

The doctor injects a fluid steroid that will deliver the drug, shrinking the swelling.

Dr. Anthony Sertich explains, "We're using an implantable catheter that is a medicine delivery system that allows a slow dilution of the medications into the sinus to fight the inflammation."

The device is removed in the office two weeks later. Traditional surgery in the ethmoid sinuses involves using a shaver and removing tissue, causing pain and sometimes scarring. The idea behind this approach is to deliver medicine precisely on target, leaving the anatomy intact.

Dr. Sertich explains, "It does make things a little bit more straightforward."

Diana's looking forward to getting off medication and breathing easier.

Diana says, "My quality of life should be a whole lot better."

The Microflow spacer is new on the market. Right now, Dr. Sertich is one of only 40 doctors in the country using this technique. But he predicts that it will catch on rapidly.

 Learn more about the Acclarent Stratus Microflow spacer

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